PORT ANGELES — An appointment-only system of scheduling allowed Port Angeles to avoid the long lines seen elsewhere as COVID-19 vaccinations opened to the general public Saturday.
About 500 people, all 70 or over, were expected to receive doses of the Moderna vaccine during the first day of inoculations in the Port Angeles High School gym.
Additional clinics are scheduled for today and next weekend at the high school at 304 E. Park Ave. All reservations are filled for the first two weekends and drop-ins are not allowed.
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Approximately 2,000 doses are expected to be administered over the first two weekends in Port Angeles.
Volunteer Mike Schutz of Sequim checks in cars arriving at Port Angeles High School during Saturday’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic for members of the public. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Michael Maxwell, chief executive officer of the North Olympic Healthcare Network, which was providing medical support for the clinics, said he expected additional doses to arrive within the next few weeks, again targeting elderly recipients in Phase 1B of the state’s vaccination blueprint.
He said he expected a wider spectrum of the public to be able to receive vaccinations by spring.
The Saturday clinic saw few lineups as recipients were ushered into the high school’s east gym. Shots were administered by NOHN clinical staff members.
“This is very well organized,” Maxwell said. “We’re not seeing any backups.”
Bill Chastain of Port Angeles receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine from Shaina Gonzales of the North Olympc Healthcare Network during Saturday’s vaccination clinic at Port Angeles High School. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
The first round of vaccinations for Port Angeles were coordinated through North Olympic Healthcare Network and the Clallam County Emergency Operations Center.
“It’s going like clockwork,” Maxwell added as the morning progressed.
Despite the limited amount of vaccine available in the first phases of widespread inoculation, Maxwell said every dose administered added to the ultimate goal of herd immunity for wider populations.
“Everyone who receives their vaccination ends up protecting you,” he said.
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Photojournalist Keith Thorpe can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 59050, or at [email protected]